Monday, December 12, 2011

There’s nothing wrong with giving homemade holiday gifts, just as long as they’re something somebody would actually want and use. Thanks to things like fruitcakes so dense they have their own gravitational fields, making edible gifts has gotten a bad name, but that’s not an issue with this chipotle oil, especially if that certain someone on your gift list likes the spicy stuff.

As I mention in the video, this could work with lots of different spices, and not only does it look pretty cool, but it's a tasty and versatile addition to any foodie's pantry. Just be careful to stay away from using fresh ingredients, like garlic and green herbs.

I’m too busy (lazy) to go into detail, but if you can run into some serious food born illnesses bottling fresh ingredients, so be sure to thoroughly research any potential additions to these flavored oils. Nothing wrecks that festive holiday vibe like being charged with involuntary manslaughter. Enjoy!

Thanks Chef John! It would be pretty to add a couple small, dried red chiles to the bottle. Maybe also make a golden curry powder oil and a green Italian herb oil (made with dried oregano, basil, thyme) and package the three together. I doubt the oil itself would get very green though. Maybe a little? Fun!

Hi Chef!Just wanted to let you know that despite not making this recipe, it improved tonight's dinner. I was doing grilled (ok, broiled) skirt steak fajitas and usually do a fake-weeknight-style refried beans on the side where I sauté onion+garlic in lots of veg oil and then add rinsed canned beans, fry a bit, mash up, and stir in seasonings. After seeing this I put onion+garlic+chipotle powder in a cold pan, covered with the oil, and put it over low heat while I got other things ready. Then just upping the heat a bit until the onions/garlic were soft, adding the beans, and mashing led to the most wonderful refried beans I've ever made. And without the authentic lard! :-) Will do again. Thanks!

Thanks for this, Chef John. It seems like there's absolutely no store that sells chipotle powder where I live (hell). I was wondering if you think I could use a majority of smoked paprika powder, but also throw some canned chipotles in the food processor and add them to the oil? Thanks.